Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is the most important safety innovation since the seatbelt agreed current Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel when asked about the benefits of the eSafety technology. He was speaking at this year’s eSafety Challenge (co-funded by the European Commission the FIA FIA Foundation and eSafetyAware) at the ÖAMTC driving centre in Teesdorf on 31 May.
In what was a spectacular demonstration of the latest eSafety technologies on the market today he was joined by eight-time Le Mans 24-Hour winner Tom Kristensen former F1 driver Alexander Wurz and Moto GP rider Marco Simoncelli. Each driver showcased a different technology while there were also opportunities for the public to try the systems for themselves.
Photo: Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel at the eSafety Challenge 2011
Following his demonstration of ESC which stabilises the car in a skid the current F1 Championship leader Vettel said “The speed with which the system reacts is very quick – quicker than any driver can be”. He added that he believed every car should be equipped with the system because it can prevent accidents happening in the first place.
Moto GP star Marco Simoncelli tested the Anti-Lock Braking system for bikes and stressed the importance of raising awareness among young people saying “Despite the risks on our roads many people don’t believe that they will be a victim of a road traffic accident. It is especially important to educate young riders who can sometimes feel like they are invincible. If they are aware of the dangers they face then they can better equip themselves with the knowledge and understanding of how to avoid accidents as well as making sensible choices like buying an ABS equipped bike.”
Former F1 driver Alexander Wurz demonstrated the benefits of Eco-Driving which he said he practices himself when driving: “It’s not only to save money in terms of fuel and very good for the environment but it’s also very stress free driving”. Meanwhile Le Mans 24 Hour Champion Tom Kristensen explained how Warning and Emergency Braking can help reduce the risk of having an accident saying “Many people when they hit the brakes with their reaction times hit it too soft but now the car can compensate for that. Break Emergency Systems are a must for any car.”
Photo: Demonstration of eCall at the eSafety Challenge 2011
The session concluded with a dramatic demonstration of the eCall system which included a helicopter and an ambulance at the rescue all performed by the host club ÖAMTC. FIA President Jean Todt was on hand to offer his support to the event and said “Every time we step into a car we run the risk of a life threatening incident. As in motorsport we need all the help we can get from technology to compensate for human errors. It is vital that those most at risk in particular families and young people understand the tremendous impact eSafety systems can have on safer driving”. More on the eSafety Challenge project can be found at www.esafetychallenge.eu.
Link to original Article
http://www.ertico.com/fia-news-test-driving-new-esafety-systems-with-sebastian-vettel/
Original Publication Date: Wed 22 Jun 2011
